Noyce Scholar Profile
Tony Sandoval
Undergraduate major or graduate field of study: B.S. Biology/ M.A. Instructional Technology
Subject area(s) and grade level teaching focus: Life Science/ Grade 7
Category of scholarship/fellowship:
Master Teaching Fellow
Name of Noyce institution:
San Diego State University
Current academic or teaching status:
Teacher/18 years experience
School and school district:
Parkway Middle School/ La Mesa - Spring Valley SD
Background:
During my undergraduate work at the University of California, San Diego, I was a tutor in an AVID program at a local high school. I realized early on that I wanted to go into science education. I graduated from UCSD with a B.S. in Biology, and a minor in Teacher Education. I then obtained my secondary teaching credential, also from UCSD. I later earned a master’s degree in Instructional Technology from Chapman University.
Why do you want to teach:
Because science rules! I want to do my part to help students gain skills and experiences that help them become active, critical thinkers. Kids have a built-in curiosity for the natural world that we need to keep alive in science class. Science education is also crucial as every major issue facing humankind is a “science problem” (i.e.: climate change and the environment, agriculture and world hunger, renewable vs. non-renewable energy resources, health and medicine and genetics, the advancement and role of technology in the workplace and society, etc.).
Describe a memorable teaching experience:
Every day has memorable teaching experiences. We work hard on helping students set and achieve personal goals throughout the year. I’ve seen great success by having students write their goals down and then following through with them. These goals have been wide ranging — perhaps just having the confidence to speak and participate more in class, or improving from failing to passing grade. It is very satisfying to help students take ownership of their goals, and then see the pride they have when the goals are achieved.
What does the Noyce program mean to you:
The Noyce program is an amazing opportunity to collaborate with other experienced teachers as part of a professional learning community. Even as a teacher, I am a life-long learner, and this is a great chance to improve my skills and gain new insights and strategies for use in the classroom.
